Giles Released, Mayberry and Carrasco sent down

The Phillies Zone

And the roster continues to settle. The Phillies have released INF Marcus Giles, who was attempting a comeback after missing the entire 2008 season. P Carlos Carrasco and OF John Mayberry Jr. have been optioned to Triple-A, and P Mike Koplove. OF Jason Ellison and INF Pablo Ozuna have been told that they will not make the opening day roster, but will travel to Philadelphia for the exhibition series against TampaBay.

These moves simply confirm what had become obvious. Giles batted .167 and lacked the defensive versatility of Miguel Cairo, who looks like he'll be the righty bat off the bench--unless the team makes a trade, which they'd like to do. The fast recoveries of Chase Utley and Pedro Feliz essentially ended Giles' audition.

Koplove has pitched well (1.23 ERA), but as a righty in a righty-heavy bullpen, faced long odds. The Taschner trade was not good news for him. Mayberry's and Carrasco's need for further development was clear. Ellison and Ozuna were always headed for Triple-A, barring injuries to someone else.